14+ Unique Art Supplies For Aspiring Mixed Media Artists

Mixed media art feels wild, playful, and full of surprises. The right supplies can make every layer feel alive.

1. Acrylic Ink Sets

Acrylic inks bring bright color with a smooth, flowing look that feels bold on the page. They dry fast, so you can layer them without waiting long.

These inks work well for drips, splashes, and fine lines, which makes them great for both loose and detailed art. Try using a dropper, brush, or even a straw to move the color in fun ways. Many artists like to mix a few shades into one custom color story for a more personal style.

2. Gel Plate Printing Pads

Gel plates make printing feel playful and a little bit magical. They create soft textures that look different every time.

You can press paint, paper scraps, leaves, lace, or stencils onto the plate and pull a print with rich marks. This supply is helpful if you want quick background pages for collage, journaling, or painting. Budget-wise, a single plate can last a long time, so it may be worth the price if you print often.

Many mixed media artists use gel printing to make one-of-a-kind papers for later projects. If you like current craft trends, this tool fits right in with handmade texture and layered design. Keep baby wipes nearby for easy cleanup and smoother sessions.

3. Water-Soluble Oil Pastels

Water-soluble oil pastels look thick and creamy, almost like crayons with extra shine. When water touches them, they soften into painterly marks.

This makes them a fun bridge between drawing and painting. You can sketch with them first, then brush water over the color for a softer effect. They are great for artists who want rich color but do not want to use many wet supplies at once.

Try layering them over collage paper or textured cardstock for a lively surface. You can also blend them with your fingers, cotton swabs, or a damp brush. If you enjoy bold color without a big mess, these pastels are a smart pick.

4. Stencil Paste

Stencil paste adds raised texture that you can see and feel. It gives flat paper or canvas a more sculpted look.

Use it with stencils to make patterns that stand out under paint, ink, or metallic rubs. It is especially nice for adding brick, lace, or swirl designs to backgrounds. A small jar can go a long way, which helps with cost if you use it only where you need depth.

5. Tissue Transfer Paper

Tissue transfer paper is thin, light, and easy to blend into artwork. It can hold images, handwriting, or soft color without feeling heavy.

Artists use it for collage, decoupage, and layered journal pages. You can print on it, draw on it, or tear it into pieces for gentle edges. It is a simple way to add words or images while keeping the surface airy and delicate.

For a personal touch, try transferring old notes, song lyrics, or family photos onto it. This supply is also friendly for beginners because it does not need many tools. If you want a softer look than regular paper, tissue transfer paper is a lovely choice.

6. Metallic Wax Crayons

Metallic wax crayons catch the light in a shiny, eye-grabbing way. They can make even a plain page feel special.

Use them on dark paper, over dried paint, or around collage edges for a bright pop. They are helpful for highlighting details like stars, leaves, or tiny marks. Since they are easy to hold, they work well for quick sketching and playful layers.

Try rubbing them over textured items like lace or cardboard to get hidden patterns. You can also mix them with matte supplies for a nice contrast. Many artists like them because they give a polished look without needing fancy tools.

7. Handmade Paper Pulp Sheets

Handmade paper pulp sheets have a soft, natural feel that stands apart from regular store paper. Their uneven edges and tiny fibers make each sheet look special.

They are useful for collage, journaling, and soft sculpture pieces. You can paint on them, stitch through them, or tear them for rich texture. If you enjoy earth-friendly art, this supply fits the trend of using recycled and handmade materials.

These sheets can cost more than plain paper, but many artists save them for focal spots. Pair them with ink, thread, or pressed flowers for a warm, personal look. They are a good choice when you want your work to feel handmade from the start.

8. Faber-Style Brush Markers

Brush markers make color feel quick, neat, and full of motion. Their tips can make thick strokes or thin lines with ease.

They are handy for sketching over collage, coloring edges, or adding hand-lettered words. Because they are portable, you can keep them in a small bag for art on the go. Many artists like them for modern journaling styles that mix drawing, writing, and painting.

Choose a few favorite colors instead of buying a giant set if you want to save money. You can also blend them with water for a softer look. For a custom touch, use them to repeat one color from your collage paper in the rest of the piece.

9. Embossing Powders

Embossing powders create shiny, raised lines that feel almost like tiny jewels. When heated, they melt into a smooth, glossy finish.

This supply is great for adding words, borders, and detailed shapes that stand out. It works well on greeting cards, art journals, and mixed media panels. You do need a heat tool, so the first setup may cost more than some other supplies.

Still, the effect can be worth it if you love crisp, polished accents. Try gold, silver, or color-shifting powders for a trendy look. Use them sparingly to make special parts of your art glow.

10. Charcoal Pencils with Water

Charcoal pencils give dark, smoky marks that feel dramatic and soft at the same time. They are perfect for moody shadows and bold outlines.

When you add water, the charcoal smears into rich gray washes. That makes them useful for sketching faces, trees, buildings, or abstract shapes. They are often less expensive than many wet media tools, which helps if you are building your art kit slowly.

Try them on rough paper to get extra texture in your marks. You can also pair them with bright paint for a strong contrast. If you like art that feels a little raw and expressive, charcoal pencils are a strong match.

11. Fabric Scraps with Printed Patterns

Fabric scraps bring color, pattern, and softness into mixed media work. Even tiny pieces can change the whole mood of a project.

Use them in collage, sewing, or layered canvas pieces for a touch of texture. Old shirts, ribbon bits, and leftover quilting pieces all work well. This is a low-cost supply if you save scraps from home or ask friends for leftovers.

Try mixing bold prints with plain fabric so the page does not feel too busy. You can also fray the edges for a worn, cozy look. Fabric pieces are great for artists who want their work to feel touchable and warm.

12. Pigment Sticks

Pigment sticks look like giant paint crayons, but they feel rich and creamy on the surface. They leave deep color with a smooth, bold finish.

You can draw, smudge, and layer them without needing a brush. They work well on canvas, paper, and even over dried acrylic paint. Since they are a more premium supply, many artists buy just a few colors and build from there.

Try using one bright stick as a main accent in an otherwise soft piece. You can also scrape marks into the color with a tool or the end of a brush. Their thick feel makes them popular in current studio art trends that love visible texture.

13. Glue Sticks for Collage Art

Glue sticks may seem simple, but they are a mixed media must-have. They are neat, quick, and easy for layering paper pieces.

They work well for magazine cutouts, tissue paper, labels, and light embellishments. Because they are less messy than liquid glue, they are great for younger artists or fast collage sessions. Most glue sticks are affordable, so they are easy to keep in a studio basket.

Choose a strong, acid-free version if you want your work to last longer. You can also use them to test layouts before using heavier adhesive. For a more personal style, make collage pages with ticket stubs, notes, and tiny found papers.

14. Mica Powders

Mica powders shimmer with a soft sparkle that changes in the light. They can make art feel dreamy, magical, or even a little bit fancy.

Sprinkle them onto wet paint, mix them with mediums, or brush them onto sticky surfaces for glow. They are perfect for highlights, backgrounds, and fantasy-style pieces. A little powder goes a long way, so a small jar can last through many projects.

Try mixing them with clear gel medium for a custom metallic paste. You can also use them to add shine to handmade cards or altered book pages. If you like current trends with pearly finishes and glowing details, mica powders are a fun fit.

15. Altered Book Pages

Altered book pages give you a ready-made base with history already built in. The old text and worn paper can add instant character.

You can paint over them, cut into them, fold them, or glue new layers on top. Many artists love the mix of old and new because it feels full of story. This can also be a low-cost supply if you use damaged books or thrift-store finds.

Try choosing pages with interesting words, maps, or illustrations to guide your design. Add ink, collage, thread, or stamps to make the page your own. For a personal touch, use books that connect to your interests, such as nature, poetry, or travel.